The project will be carried out at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division, in Pascagoula, Miss. It will be the eleventh vessel of 12 planned in the San Antonio (LPD 17) class of ships. Ingalls is identified as the contractor for the entire series.

"This contract validates our proven performance in building amphibious ships," stated the contractor’s LPD program v.p., Doug Lounsberry. "Our shipbuilders have the necessary and unique skills to build these extremely complex warships and meet all Navy expectations. These ships are vital to our nation's defense, and we are working safely and efficiently to ensure American sailors and Marines have the best product to defend our freedom."

The LPD ships are designed for transport and combat service, in support of Marine Expeditionary Units and brigades. Each ship is 684 feet long and 105 feet wide, with approximate displacement of 25,000 tons. Each vessel will carry up to 800 troops, and able to transport and debark air cushion (LCAC) or conventional landing crafts, with support for helicopters or vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The ships will support amphibious assault, special operations or expeditionary warfare missions.

"This investment in survivability is vital to protecting our troops and their equipment and ensuring their ability to fight and win while in harm's way," Lounsberry state.